Remaining in the EU is “still on the table” after the European Court of Justice ruled that the UK can unilaterally revoke its withdrawal from the EU, cross-party politicians have said.

Labour MEP Catherine Stihler, one of those who brought the case, said the ruling “paves the way for the disastrous Brexit process to be brought to a halt”.

The case was brought forward in February by a group of Scottish politicians – Labour MEPs Ms Stihler and David Martin, the SNP’s Joanna Cherry MP and Alyn Smith MEP, Green MSPs Andy Wightman and Ross Greer, and lawyer Jolyon Maugham QC, director of the Good Law Project.

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) found that if the UK does decide to revoke Article 50 and stop the Brexit process, it would remain in the EU as a member state and the revocation must be decided following “democratic process”.

“So an extension of Article 50 to allow time for another vote, followed by revocation of Article 50 if the outcome is Remain seems to be an option that is now open to the House of Commons.”

The Scottish Government said the ruling provided another option apart from the Prime Minister’s deal or no deal.

(PA Graphics)

Constitutional Relations Secretary Michael Russell MSP said: “This is a hugely important decision that provides clarity at an essential point in the UK’s decision-making over its future relationship with the EU.

“People in Scotland overwhelmingly voted to remain in the EU and that continues to be the best option for Scotland and the UK as a whole.

“This judgment exposes as false the idea that the only choice is between a bad deal negotiated by the UK Government or the disaster of no deal.

“We now know, thanks to the efforts of Scotland’s parliamentarians, that remaining in the EU is still on the table.”